Today, the 22 September 2014, is “World Rhino Day” and celebrates all five species of Rhino: Black, White, Greater One-horned, Sumatran and Javan Rhinos. World Rhino Day was first announced by WWF-South Africa in 2010. The following year, World Rhino Day grew into an international success, encompassing both African and Asian rhino species, thanks to the efforts of thousands of people around the world.
The Rhino poaching crisis affecting South Africa and smaller African and Asian Rhino range states is now recognised as a worldwide wildlife emergency. The brutal killing of Rhinos – particularly in South Africa – is being driven by global criminal syndicates, many with links to international terrorism and narcotics cartels. Wildlife crime has exploded in recent years to meet the increasing demand for Rhino horn, Elephant ivory and Tiger products, particularly in Asia: today, it is the fourth most profitable illegal trade in the world after drugs, arms and human trafficking, estimated at US$19 billion annually. Demand for Rhino horn particularly in China and Vietnam has risen over the past four years, where it is seen as a status symbol for the aspirational middle-classes and newly wealthy citizens of these countries, whose economies continue to grow. This, combined with traditional beliefs in its non-existent medicinal properties, has made Rhino horn one of the most expensive commodities in the world, outstripping gold, platinum and even cocaine in value.
With 771 Rhino poached during 2014 as of the 10 September, World Rhino Day provides EVERYONE with the opportunity to become more aware of the issues facing not only our Rhino species, but our wildlife in general. As a country we rely so much on our nature-based tourism, with Rhino playing a fundamental part in ensuring this remains one of our most important contributors to the GDP. How can we possibly allow a small group of greedy individuals to rob this country of one of its most iconic creatures?
We urge you to go and see what people around the world are doing to increase the awareness of the threat to Rhino and the changes that they are working for – visit www.worldrhinoday.org for more information.
At Wildlands, our focus has been on securing the population of Black and White Rhino at Somkhanda Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Wildlands staff will be activating a World Rhino Day celebration in the Gumbi community, making them more aware of the Rhino poaching crisis, and how important these Rhino are to the development and upliftment of the Gumbi people. Ultimately, the only way we can turn this around is to get to the “hearts and minds” of all people, including the communities living on the borders of protected areas securing Rhino. We all need to play our role – what are you doing today to celebrate World Rhino Day?
Donate to Wildlands Rhino Conservation projects at http://www.localhost/import-data-post/donate
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)